SSI January 2026 Payment: How Much Youll Get With the 2.8% COLA

The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for January 2026. This article explains how to estimate your new SSI payment, what can change your net benefit, and a short case study to show the math.

How SSI January 2026 Payment is calculated

SSI payments change with COLA in two simple steps. First, the SSA applies the 2.8% increase to your current monthly payment. Second, the agency adjusts that total for any countable income, deductions, or state supplements.

The easiest estimate is: new payment = current payment x 1.028. That gives a quick before-deductions number you can use to plan.

Quick calculation examples

• If your current SSI is 600, multiply 600 by 1.028 = 616.80.
• If your current SSI is 900, multiply 900 by 1.028 = 925.20.
• If your current SSI is 1,000, multiply 1,000 by 1.028 = 1,028.00.

Step-by-step: How to estimate your SSI January 2026 Payment

Use these steps to make a personalized estimate. Keep your current award letter or recent payment amount handy.

1. Note your current monthly SSI amount from your award letter or bank deposit.
2. Multiply that amount by 1.028 to apply the 2.8% COLA.
3. Subtract any countable unearned income after the $20 general exclusion. For earned income, apply earned income exclusions first then subtract the countable portion.
4. Factor in any state supplementary payment and Medicare premiums that may be withheld.
5. Round to cents. The result is your estimated January 2026 payment.

Example calculations for deductions

• General income exclusion: SSA typically excludes the first 20 of unearned income.
• Unearned income reduces SSI dollar-for-dollar after exclusion.
• Earned income has different exclusions, often a 65 earned income exclusion plus half of remaining wages.

What affects your final SSI amount in January 2026

The 2.8% COLA increases the base payment, but your actual check can differ for several reasons. These are common factors that change the net payment you receive.

• Other income. Pensions, unemployment, and some VA benefits reduce SSI after exclusions.
• FBR limits. SSI cannot exceed the Federal Benefit Rate cap for individuals or couples.
• State supplements. Some states add payments while others do not.
• Medicare and other deductions. Premiums may be withheld from your benefit.
• Overpayment or repayment plans. Ongoing collections reduce monthly checks.

Payment timing and delivery

SSI payments are typically issued on the first of each month. If the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments may be deposited or mailed on the last business day before the first.

Direct deposit or electronic transfer is the fastest way to receive the payment. If you get paper checks, postal delays can affect the arrival date.

Short case study: Real-world example

Maria is 67 and currently receives 800 per month in SSI. She also has a small unearned pension of 200 per month.

Step 1: Apply COLA. 800 x 1.028 = 822.40. This is Maria’s gross SSI after COLA, before counting other income.

Step 2: Apply general exclusion. SSA excludes the first 20 of unearned income, so Maria’s pension countable amount is 200 – 20 = 180.

Step 3: Subtract countable income. 822.40 – 180 = 642.40. Maria should expect about 642.40 as her January 2026 SSI payment, plus or minus any state supplement or premium deductions.

Practical tips to prepare for January 2026

• Check your last SSI award letter so you know your current payment amount.
• Use the simple multiplier 1.028 to get a quick estimate of the gross increase.
• Review other incomes and benefits that SSA counts to avoid surprises.
• Contact your local SSA office or check SSA.gov if you expect changes in living arrangements or income.

Where to get official information

For exact figures, including the Federal Benefit Rate and any state supplements, visit SSA.gov or call Social Security. The SSA can provide specific calculations for your situation and confirm payment dates.

Estimating your SSI January 2026 payment is straightforward: apply the 2.8% COLA, then adjust for other income and deductions. If you need a precise amount, SSA can provide an official calculation for your case.